. >> big opportunity for mitt romney this week. >> huge opportunity for mitt romney. he could take this race in the states he's losing right now and change the dynamic of the race just by standing on stage and performing well. >> so much riding on it. this first debate, anywhere between 50 million, 60 million are the stilts. this year more important than ever the early voting that's taking place. >> it's taking place in key states like iowa right now and voters willing watching this. already voting and the best thing about this debate is -- tore these guy, it's the first authentic moment and a while where voters want to tune in and pay attention. not a television ad, not a convention but a real authentic moment they take cues from. >> by election day a third of american voters might have already gone to the poll. >> campaigns used to have to plan toward one election day and now they can plan toward 30 or 35 election days and that's why this debate is crucial because voting is already going on. >> matt dowd with us in new york. matt, our thanks to you and special cover